Our Strong Little Firefighter Hot shot and BFFS VS Brain Tumor Fire

Chapter 4

Hot shot was busy getting tests done for the most part while in the hospital. Hot shot was also getting therapy done as well. Hot shot was doing really well with that. Soon Hot shot was going to have his simulation scan which was going to help him prepare for radiation therapy. Hot shot woke up this morning and it was the morning of his simulation scan. Hot shot was plenty nervous about this. But he was ready to be very brave for it too. Hot shot was wondering what was going to happen now.

Hot shot was seeing Dr. Lopez his radio oncologist. He was going to help with Hot shot's radiation treatment and decide on what kind of radiation Hot shot was going to need and for how long. Hot shot was kind of nervous about it too. "Okay Hot shot looks like everything is looking okay for you to have your simulation scan," Dr. Lopez said.

"I am kind of scared, will it hurt?" Hot shot asked.

"No, it won't hurt a bit," Dr. Lopez said. "The simulation scan is just when we make you mask and do an MRI to help plan out your radiation therapy," he said. "Me, other doctors and scientists will decide what kind of radiation you need, if you need a radiation not offered at our hospital your mask will be sent to therapy center that offers it and you will go there to get your radiation treatment and come back here for check ups," he said.

"Will I get chemotherapy during radiation or after radiation?" Hot shot asked.

"That is a good question Hot shot," Dr. Lopez said. "A lot of the times it depends on the type of cancer or brain tumor you have and it's location, and your age," he said. "Kids who are three and under get chemotherapy first and then might get radiation later," he said. "While kids who are three and older often get radiation first for brain tumors and then get chemotherapy about six weeks after radiation therapy ends to give the body time to heal," he said. "You will most likely start your cancer treatment in July because that is when we will have everything sorted out and give your body time to heal from the biopsy surgery," he said. "Because it can take up to six weeks for you wounds to heal from that kind of surgery," he said.

"Okay," Hot shot said. "What is the mask like?" he asked.

"The mask will be made with a special plastic netting, that will be warmed in warm water which will make it soft and floppy and then it is stretched over your face to make the mask," Dr. Lopez said.

"How long will I need radiation therapy for?" Hot shot asked.

"Another good question," Dr. Lopez said. "Most kids it depends on their type of cancer, some only get it for about 3 weeks others like ones with brain tumors can get it for four to seven weeks," he said. "Kids with ATRT get it for 6-7 weeks," he said. 

"How much of my brain will get the radiation?" Hot shot asked.

"Another good question," Dr. Lopez said. "It depends on the type of brain tumor and whether or not it has spread other parts of the brain or to the spinal cord," he said. "For kids with certain types of tumors that haven't spread it will only go to the spot where tumor is or has been removed," he said. "While kids who's tumors have spread to other parts of the brain or nervous system they get it to the whole brain and spine," he said. "But since your tumor hasn't spread according to the tests so far you will only be getting it one spot," he said.

"How many types of radiation therapy are there?" Hot shot asked.

"There are many kinds Hot shot, electron beam, gamma rays, x-rays, and proton just to name a few," Dr. Lopez said. "Radiation can be given in many way yours will be external meaning a big machine will send radiation therapy through your head and zap your cancer and best part is you won't feel it, and it you will be just fine once it's done," he said.

"How do you know what kind of radiation I need?" Hot shot asked.

"Well after scan me, other doctors and scientists will look at your scans, we will discuss your age, location of the tumor and whether or not it has spread, then we decide the type of radiation that is best and how long you will need it," Dr. Lopez said.

"Do I have to come get radiation everyday?" Hot shot asked.

"Yes except Saturday and Sunday," Dr. Lopez said.

Hot shot was glad his questions were answered. He felt better about talking about it. Hot shot was soon in the imaging center again to get ready for it. Hot shot saw his friends there. "Hi," Hot shot said.

"Hi," they said to him.

Hot shot met other kids there who were there for a scan. Hot shot was soon taken back by the mold room tech named Daniel. "Okay Hot shot we are going to make your special mask now," Daniel said.

"Okay," Hot shot said and then laid down on the bed. Then Daniel warmed the plastic in the water and then stretched it over Hot shot's head. Hot shot stayed nice and still for it. Hot shot was doing a really good job at it too. Then after a few minutes the mask hardened. "Okay now mask is all done," Daniel said taking off.

Hot shot looked at the mask. "It looks like me," Hot shot said.

"It sure does," Daniel said.

Hot shot was happy to see his mask. Now Hot shot got another MRI. Hot shot chose a movie to watch during the MRI. Hot shot got the contrast through his Hickman line. This way he could avoid getting another needle for it. Hot shot was happy about that.

Then after the simulation was over Hot shot got to have lunch at the Chic-fil-a in the hospital. Hot shot was also able to go to Zooti Frooti as well. Hot shot was happy about that. Hot shot was soon back in his room and able to rest for a while.

The days went by slowly. Hot shot was doing a few things at the hospital. But a lot of the time it was boring. Hot shot was soon able to go home at the beginning of the fourth week. Hot shot was so happy to be home at last.

Hot shot really missed his old room and everything. Hot shot was starting to take some of his medicine already. He had learned to take it at the hospital. Hot shot also had to get his line flushed every single day. His parents had to do it. Hot shot was getting used to it.

Hot shot was wondering if the rest of the family knew about him having cancer. "Mummy? Daddy? Does the family know about me having cancer?" Hot shot asked.

"Yes the do Hot shot," Quickshadow said.

"We already called and told them as soon as you were diagnosed." Heatwave said.

"Okay," Hot shot said.

"We also called all of the family friends too," Heatwave said.

"All of them said they were here for us for the whole thing," Quickshadow said. "They are going to stand by our side and be supportive," she said.

"Okay," Hot shot said.

Hot shot was able to be home to rest for a bit but he knew he was soon going to see Dr. Lopez and Dr. Zhao to find out when his radiation therapy starts and how long he was going to get it.

Hot shot decided to watch the video about radiation therapy from the imaginary friend society. Hot shot liked the team of imaginary friends explaining radiation. Hot shot learned radiation is like invisible rays he can't feel and the treatment will take a few minutes each time. He would receive 1 treatment per day, 5 days a week anywhere from 2 to 7 weeks. Hot shot learned he might feel weak, tired and his tummy might hurt. He would also get medicines to help him feel better. Hot shot learned his hair would fall out during radiation but it should grow back after radiation treatment ends. Hot shot learned he could experiment with wigs and other things to mix up his style. Hot shot found that kind of cool.

Hot shot soon came back to the hospital about week later to find out when he will start radiation treatment and how long he was going to need it. "Hot shot you will start treatment on Monday you will have it for seven weeks and you will have x-ray radiation," Dr. Lopez said. "The treatment will finish in September," he said.

"You will start chemotherapy at the beginning of November, and how long you will need chemotherapy will depend on a lot of things, you might need it for a year or longer, it will depend on how your cancer responds," Dr. Zhao said.

Hot shot was ready to be brave and start his radiation. Hot shot was going to go home and be ready to start radiation that Monday. He was going to be very brave. He was determined to begin his fight against the cancer fire and he was going to beat it too!